Letter from Principal Bertke

August 1, 2025

Dear Parkside Families,

It is my pleasure to welcome you to The Middle School at Parkside for the 2025-2026 school year. I am absolutely thrilled to start my newly appointed position as Principal for Instruction! I am confident that I will continue to lead our students to Viking excellence. The academic and extracurricular offerings at Parkside are unmatched, and we look forward to partnering with you to make this a great middle school experience for your child.

We are grateful for the staff that we have here at Parkside and will make it our priority to communicate with you on how your child is performing throughout the school year via Powerschool and regular two- way communication. This year, our administrative team will continue with grade-level assignments to build deeper relationships and improve consistency in communication.  The assignments are as follows:

Mr. Robert Bertke 7th and 8th grade Principal for Instruction 

Mr. Steve Chapman 6th and 8th grade Associate Principal

Our Open House is on Monday, August 18th from 5:00-7:00 p.m.  The open house will provide you with an opportunity to hear our plans for the school year and visit with your child’s teachers.  There will be a presentation for each grade in the auditorium, 6th grade families from 5:00-5:25 p.m., 7th grade families from 5:30-5:55 p.m. and 8th grade families from 6:00-6:25 p.m. The remaining time can be used to tour the school, either before or after each presentation.

Student schedules will be ready to view on Powerschool or picked up at Parkside on Friday, August 15th.  Our first day of school will be Wednesday, August 20th.  This will be a half day for students beginning at 7:25 a.m. and ending at 10:50 a.m.  Our first full day of school will be Thursday, August 21st beginning at 7:25 a.m. and ending at 2:14 p.m.  The doors to our building will open daily at 7:15 a.m. for breakfast.  All students are eligible for free breakfast and lunch daily.  For further details regarding transportation, school calendar and more, visit our website at jpsk12.org/parkside or like us on Facebook.

Enclosed, you will find several pieces of information and forms that we need you to fill out and turn into the main office on or before August 20th.  Be sure to complete the Household Information Survey for free or reduced meals.

Again, we are so excited that you are a part of The Middle School at Parkside Viking Family.  I encourage you to be an active participant in your child’s education at home, as well as partner with us at Parkside throughout the school year.  Enjoy the remaining days of summer vacation, and come to school prepared to excel in attendance, social behavior and academic performance. Believe The Hype!!!

With Viking Pride,

Mr. Robert Bertke

Middle School at Parkside

Principal for Instruction